Fast-Track Vietnam Visa Application: Express Processing Options & Fees

Key Takeaways

• Vietnam offers express E-Visa processing from 1-2 hours to 6 days, with fees from $50 to $190.
• Visa on Arrival express service limited to organized tours starting June 2025, with 4-8 hour to 2 day options.
• Airport fast-track services reduce immigration wait to minutes; emergency 24/7 support available via WhatsApp and email.

If you need to travel to Vietnam 🇻🇳 on short notice, you might worry about how quickly you can get your Vietnam Visa. Thankfully, Vietnam 🇻🇳 offers several express processing options for its E-Visa and other visa types, making it possible to get approval in as little as a few hours. This guide will walk you through each step of the fast-track Vietnam Visa application process, explain the different express processing options, and help you avoid common mistakes. By following these instructions, you can save time, reduce stress, and ensure you have everything you need for a smooth arrival.

Purpose and Overview

The purpose of this guide is to help travelers who need a Vietnam Visa urgently. Whether you have a last-minute business trip, a family emergency, or simply forgot to apply in advance, Vietnam 🇻🇳 offers several ways to speed up your visa application. You’ll learn about:

• The different types of express processing for E-Visas, Visa on Arrival, and embassy applications
• How to choose the right option for your situation
• What documents you need
• How much each service costs
• What to do if you run into problems

Step 1: Decide Which Vietnam Visa Type and Entry Method You Need

Before you start, you need to know which type of visa and entry method fits your travel plans. The main options are:

1. E-Visa (Electronic Visa): Apply online and get your visa by email. Suitable for most tourists and business travelers.
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA): Get a pre-approval letter online, then pick up your visa at the airport. As of June 2025, only available for travelers on organized tour packages.
3. Embassy/Consulate Visa: Apply in person at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Useful if you need a specific visa type or are not eligible for E-Visa or VOA.

Tip: Most travelers use the E-Visa system because it’s fast, simple, and can be done from anywhere.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

No matter which express processing option you choose, you’ll need to prepare the following:

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date)
• Passport-sized photo (recent, clear, and meets Vietnam’s requirements)
• Personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality, etc.)
• Travel details (entry and exit dates, entry port, address in Vietnam 🇻🇳)
• Payment method (credit/debit card for online applications)

Important: Expedited processing does not mean you can skip any documents. Missing or incorrect information can delay your application, even if you pay for express service.

Step 3: Choose Your Express Processing Option

Vietnam 🇻🇳 offers several express processing speeds for the E-Visa, Visa on Arrival, and embassy applications. Here’s how to pick the right one:

3.1 E-Visa Express Processing

The E-Visa is the most popular choice for fast-track applications. Here are the main options:

• Standard Processing: 4-6 working days, $55 for 1-month single entry
• 2-Day Expedited: 2 working days, $100 for 1-month single entry
• 1-Day Urgent: 1 working day, $150 for 1-month single entry
• Ultra-Expedited: 4-8 working hours (Monday-Friday), $50-80
• Emergency Processing: As fast as 1-2 hours (Hanoi entry port only), fees vary

For multiple-entry E-Visas, the fees are higher. For example, a 1-month multiple-entry E-Visa costs $95 for standard processing and $190 for 1-day urgent service.

Note: Ultra-fast (4-8 hour and 1-2 hour) services are not available on weekends or public holidays. If you need a visa during these times, contact a visa service provider directly for emergency help.

3.2 Visa on Arrival (VOA) Express Processing

If you’re traveling with an organized tour package, you can use the Visa on Arrival option. You’ll need a pre-approval letter, which can be processed quickly:

• Same Day: 4-8 working hours (for flights departing in less than 8 hours)
• Urgent: 1 working day (for flights departing in less than 24 hours)
• Expedited: 2 working days (for flights departing in less than 3 days)

Fees for VOA express processing range from $29 to $139, depending on how fast you need it and the visa type.

Warning: As of June 2025, VOA is only for travelers on organized tours.

3.3 Embassy/Consulate Express Processing

If you apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, you can request expedited service:

• Standard: About 5 working days
• Urgent: 1-2 working days (extra fee applies)

Fees and processing times can vary by location, so check with your nearest embassy or consulate.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

4.1 E-Visa Application

• Go to the official Vietnam E-Visa portal: Vietnam Immigration E-Visa
• Fill out the online application form with your details
• Upload your passport photo and personal photo
• Choose your processing speed (standard, expedited, urgent, or ultra-expedited)
• Pay the required fee by credit or debit card
• Submit your application and save your application code

Time Estimate: 15-30 minutes to complete the online form

Tip: Double-check all information before submitting. Mistakes can cause delays or rejection.

4.2 Visa on Arrival Application

• Contact your tour operator or a trusted visa agency
• Provide your passport details and travel information
• Choose your express processing option
• Pay the agency fee for the pre-approval letter
• Wait for your pre-approval letter by email
• Print the letter and bring it with you to the airport

Time Estimate: 10-20 minutes to submit details; pre-approval letter arrives based on chosen speed

4.3 Embassy/Consulate Application

• Visit the website of your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate
• Download and fill out the visa application form (usually called “Form NA1”)
• Prepare your documents and passport photos
• Go to the embassy/consulate in person or send your application by mail (if allowed)
• Request expedited processing and pay the extra fee
• Collect your visa or receive it by mail

Time Estimate: Varies by embassy, but urgent processing is usually 1-2 working days

Step 5: Track Your Application and Prepare for Arrival

After submitting your application, keep track of your status:

• For E-Visas, use your application code to check status on the official portal
• For VOA, watch your email for the pre-approval letter
• For embassy applications, contact the embassy if you don’t hear back within the promised time

Tip: Print out your visa approval or pre-approval letter and keep it with your passport.

Step 6: Use Airport Fast-Track Immigration Services (Optional)

If you want to save even more time at the airport, you can book a fast-track immigration service. These services help you skip long lines and get through passport control quickly.

Service Levels:

• Basic Fast-Track: Quick passport control
• VOA Fast-Track: Help with visa stamping and passport control
• Full Fast-Track: Help with visa stamping, passport control, baggage, and escort to meeting point

Fees (per passenger):

Time Saved: Immigration lines can take 30-45 minutes during busy times. Fast-track services can cut this down to just a few minutes.

Step 7: Troubleshooting and Emergency Help

If you run into problems or need a visa urgently outside normal hours, Vietnam 🇻🇳 offers 24/7 support:

• WhatsApp: +84.946.583.583
• Email: [email protected]

Contact these services if:

• You need a visa in less than 4 hours
• You’re traveling on a weekend or public holiday
• Your application is delayed or you haven’t received your approval

Refunds: Some service providers offer refunds if they can’t deliver your E-Visa on time. However, government E-Visa fees are usually non-refundable.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Incomplete Documents: Always double-check your passport, photos, and application details.
• Wrong Entry Port: The fastest processing (1-2 hours) is only for Hanoi. If you enter through another airport or land border, processing may take longer.
• Applying Too Late: Even with express processing, last-minute applications are risky. Apply as early as possible.
• Weekend/Public Holiday Travel: Ultra-fast services are not available on weekends or holidays. Plan ahead if you need to travel during these times.
• Using Unofficial Websites: Only use the official Vietnam E-Visa portal or trusted agencies.

Checklist Summary: Fast-Track Vietnam Visa Application

Before You Apply:
– [ ] Decide which visa type and entry method you need
– [ ] Gather all required documents
– [ ] Check your travel dates for weekends or holidays

When Applying:
– [ ] Choose the right express processing speed for your needs
– [ ] Fill out the application form carefully
– [ ] Upload clear, correct photos
– [ ] Pay the correct fee

After Applying:
– [ ] Track your application status
– [ ] Print your visa approval or pre-approval letter
– [ ] Book airport fast-track service if needed

Before Departure:
– [ ] Double-check your passport and visa documents
– [ ] Have emergency contact info handy

Additional Tips and Official Resources

• For the latest visa policies and official forms, visit the Vietnam Immigration Department website.
• If you need to download the E-Visa application form or check your eligibility, use the official Vietnam E-Visa portal.
• For embassy/consulate applications, check the website of your nearest Vietnamese diplomatic mission for local forms and instructions.

Real-World Scenarios

Business Traveler: You get a sudden invitation to a conference in Hanoi. It’s Wednesday, and your flight is Friday morning. You choose the 1-day urgent E-Visa service for $150 and receive your visa by Thursday afternoon. To save time at the airport, you book the full fast-track service for $50.

Family Emergency: Your relative in Vietnam 🇻🇳 falls ill, and you need to fly out on Sunday. Since ultra-fast E-Visa processing isn’t available on weekends, you contact the emergency support number. They help you get a visa in time for your flight.

Tourist on a Budget: You plan your trip a month in advance. You use the standard E-Visa service for $55, saving money since you don’t need express processing.

Final Thoughts and Practical Guidance

Vietnam’s fast-track visa options make it possible to get your Vietnam Visa quickly, even if you’re in a hurry. By understanding the different E-Visa, Visa on Arrival, and embassy express processing options, you can choose the best fit for your needs and avoid common mistakes. Always use official websites, prepare your documents carefully, and apply as early as you can. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact the 24/7 support services.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, Vietnam’s efforts to speed up visa processing have made it much easier for travelers to get approval on short notice. Whether you’re traveling for business, family, or fun, knowing your options for express processing can save you time, money, and stress.

For more details and to start your application, visit the official Vietnam E-Visa portal.

Remember: The key to a smooth Vietnam 🇻🇳 arrival is preparation. Use this guide, follow the checklist, and you’ll be ready for your trip—no matter how soon you need to go.

Learn Today

E-Visa → An electronic visa allowing travelers to apply online and get visa approval via email before arrival.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) → A visa process requiring pre-approval, allowing travelers to obtain their visa at the airport upon entry.
Express Processing → Faster visa approval services ranging from several days to a few hours for urgent travel needs.
Fast-Track Immigration → A paid airport service that speeds up passport control and visa stamping to save time.
Pre-Approval Letter → An official document allowing Visa on Arrival applicants to obtain their visa upon arrival in Vietnam.

This Article in a Nutshell

Facing urgent travel to Vietnam? This guide details express visa options, steps, fees, and tips for securing quick approval and hassle-free arrival.
— By VisaVerge.com